VISTA–Detectives from the Sheriff’s Child Abuse Unit arrested a Vista High School basketball coach for engaging in sexual conduct with a female student.
Detectives Wednesday issued a misdemeanor warrant for 36-year-old Charlie Mercado. He voluntarily surrendered to the Vista Detention Facility Thursday night and posted $10,000 bail.
On May 11, the student, a junior at Vista High School, revealed to campus administration she was involved in an inappropriate relationship with Mercado. School administration notified the Sheriff’s department and an investigation was initiated. During the investigation, detectives discovered that Mercado fostered an intimate relationship with the victim, and on one occasion met with her off campus where they engaged in inappropriate physical contact.
Mercado is charged with child molestation. He is scheduled to appear in court August 25.
